Anticariogenic Potential Research Articles

Cell viability assessment and ion release profiles of GICs modified with TiO2- and Mg-doped hydroxyapatite nanoparticles

ObjectivesTo assess and compare the cell viability and ion release profiles of two conventional glass ionomer cements (GICs), Fuji IX and Ketac Molar EasyMix, modified with TiO2 and Mg-doped-HAp nanoparticles (NPs). MethodsTiO2 NPs, synthesized via a sol–gel method, and Mg-doped hydroxyapatite, synthesized via a hydrothermal process, were incorporated into GICs at a concentration of 5 wt.%. The biocompatibility of prepared materials was assessed by evaluating their effects on the viability of dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs), together with monitoring ion release profiles. Statistical analysis was performed using One-way analysis of variance, with significance level p < 0.05. ResultsThe addition of NPs did not significantly affect the biocompatibility of GICs, as evidenced by comparable decreased levels in cell viability to their original formulations. Distinct variations in cell viability were observed among Fuji IX and Ketac Molar, including their respective modifications. FUJI IX and its modification with TiO2 exhibited moderate decrease in cell viability, while other groups exhibited severe negative effects. While slight differences in ion release profiles were observed among the groups, significant variations compared to original cements were not achieved. Fluoride release exhibited an initial “burst release” within the initial 24 h in all samples, stabilizing over subsequent days. ConclusionsThe addition of NPs did not compromise biocompatibility, nor anticariogenic potential of tested GICs. However, observed differences among FUJI IX and Ketac Molar, including their respective modifications, as well as induced low viability of DPSC by all tested groups, suggest the need for careful consideration of cement composition in their biological assessments. Clinical significanceThe findings contribute to understanding the complex interaction between NPs and GIC matrices. However, the results should be interpreted recognizing the inherent limitations associated with in vitro studies. Further research avenues could explore long-term effects, in vivo performance, and potential clinical applications.

Comparative Evaluation of Antibacterial Efficacy and Remineralization Potential of Acidulated Phosphate Fluoride Gel with Herbal Dental Gel Containing Zingiber officinale, Salvadora persica, and Cinnamomum zeylanicum: An In Vitro Study.

The aim of the study is to evaluate and compare the antibacterial efficacy and remineralization potential of acidulated phosphate fluoride (APF) gel with herbal dental gel containing Zingiber officinale, Salvadora persica, and Cinnamomum zeylanicum. Ethanolic extracts of Z. officinale, S. persica, and C. zeylanicum were prepared. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of these extracts were determined against Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus acidophilus using the resazurin method and agar plate streaking method, respectively. The herbal dental gel was formulated, and its cytotoxicity was evaluated using an 3-(4,5-dimethythiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The antibacterial susceptibility of APF gel and the herbal dental gel was assessed using the agar well diffusion method and time-kill assay. The remineralizing potential was evaluated using a stereomicroscope. Herbal dental gel showed better antibacterial efficacy as depicted by the zone of inhibition of 20 and 21 mm obtained against S. mutans and L. acidophilus, respectively, compared to 11.50 and 16.50 mm zone of inhibition obtained by APF gel. The herbal dental gel also showed better remineralization potential than APF gel after a time interval of 24 and 48 hours, as depicted with a statistically significant p-value of 0.0061 and 0.0219, respectively. In the cytotoxicity test, the fibroblasts showed 100% viability in the presence of both study groups. The results of our study concluded that herbal dental gel is safe and nontoxic, having anticariogenic potential due to its good antibacterial action and remineralization potential as compared to conventional APF gel. Kohli N, Hugar SM, Hallikerimath S, et al. Comparative Evaluation of Antibacterial Efficacy and Remineralization Potential of Acidulated Phosphate Fluoride Gel with Herbal Dental Gel Containing Zingiber officinale, Salvadora persica, and Cinnamomum zeylanicum: An In Vitro Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2024;17(3):307-315.

Assessment of Occlusal Load Strength of Glass Ionomer Cement and Composite in Class V Cavities: An In-Vitro Study.

Glass ionomer cement (GIC) is widely used in dentistry due to its chemical adhesion to dental tissues, biocompatibility, and anti-cariogenic potential but they have relatively weak mechanical properties. Resin composites have been widely regarded as the first choice for direct restorations but their polymerization shrinkage has remained a major problem. It has the potential to cause tooth debonding. The composite interface leads to postoperative sensitivity, secondary caries, enamel cracks, and microleakage. A restorative material's capacity to withstand occlusal stresses and support the remaining tooth structure depends on this property. Although class V restorations are predominantly done with GIC, this study was done to compare the strength ofcomposite with the same. The GIC restore glass which is commonly used was tested against restofill composite. The main objective of conducting the study was to compare the compressive strengthof the composite vsGIC in cervical cavities. So the aimof the study isto assess the occlusal load strength of GIC and composite in class V cavities using the universal testing machine. This study was employed as an in vitro study involving 20 natural central incisor teeth without any carious lesions. Class V cavity preparation was done and the selected teeth were divided into two groups of ten each. The cavities were filled with D Tech RestoreGICand composite restorations (restofill), respectively, polished, and then subjected to testing. An eccentric load was applied to the tooth structure using an Instron (Instron E3000 Electropuls, Instron, Norwood, United States) - Universal testing machine with a cross-head speed of 1mm per minute, and the stresses were further analyzed in the presence of an occlusal loading test using a stainless steel jig of 1mm diameter which led to the sectioning of the tooth buccolingually under the applied load. An independent t-test was used to assess the results, and it was concluded that the results were statistically significant (p<0.05) at p=0.034. Conclusively, the results suggested that the occlusal load strength of the composite is greater when compared to GIC.

Evaluation of the Cariogenic and Anti-Cariogenic Potential of Human Colostrum and Colostrum-Derived Probiotics: Impact on S. mutans Growth, Biofilm Formation, and L. rhamnosus Growth.

Human colostrum (HC) is essential for oral health as it is rich in probiotics that could affect the growth of the cariogenic S. mutans and its biofilm formation; hindering dental caries in advance. In this study, HC was collected from 36 healthy mothers 1-3 days postpartum. The effect of HC on oral health was carried out by assessing the impact of HC and its derived probiotics' cell-free supernatants (CFS) on the growth of S. mutans (using modified well diffusion) and its biofilm formation (using microtiter plate assay). Moreover, the effect of whole HC on L. rhamnosus, a probiotic oral bacterium, was examined. Probiotics were isolated and identified phenotypically by API 50 CH carbohydrate fermentation and genotypically by 16S rRNA amplification. The in vitro study revealed that HC has cariogenic activity and is associated with biofilm formation. Biofilm strength was inversely proportional to HC dilution (p-value < 0.0001). Nevertheless, HC and colostrum-derived probiotics improve oral health by inhibiting the growth of caries-inducing S. mutans with lower inhibition to L. rhamnosus probiotics. The CFS of isolated probiotics reduced the biofilm formation via the cariogenic S. mutans. These results are not only promising for caries eradication, but they also highlight the importance of breastfeeding infants from their first hours to shape healthy oral microbiota, protecting them from various diseases including dental caries.

Effect of dextransucrase antibodies on biofilm formation and certain cariogenic activities in Streptococcus mutans.

Introduction. Dextransucrase produced by Streptococcus mutans plays a vital role in the formation of dental caries by synthesizing exopolysaccharides from sucrose, which helps in the attachment of microbes to the tooth surface, causing caries. Exploring antibody production against S. mutans antigens could be an effective method to protect against dental caries.Hypothesis. Dextransucrase antibodies may help in the prevention of caries formation by inhibiting essential cariogenic factors.Aims. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of dextransucrase antibodies on biofilm formation and certain associated cariogenic factors of S. mutans.Methodology. Dextransucrase was purified from culture of S. mutans. The antisera against the enzyme were raised in rabbits. The effect of dextransucrase antibodies on biofilm formation was studied using scanning electron microscopy, fluorescence microscopy and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. The effects of the antibodies on associated cariogenic factors were examined using established methods. The cross-reactivity of antibodies with human lung, liver, heart, thyroid and kidney tissues was evaluated by immunohistochemistry.Results. Our findings showed impaired biofilm formation in S. mutans in the presence of dextransucrase antibodies. Genes associated with biofilm formation such as gtfB, gtfC, brpA, relA, Smu.630 and vicK were downregulated (50-97 %) by dextransucrase antibodies in S. mutans. The adherence of S. mutans to glass surface was reduced by 58 % and hydrophobicity was reduced by 55.2 % in the presence of the antibodies compared to the controls. Immunohistochemistry studies revealed no cross-reactivity of human tissues with dextransucrase antibodies.Conclusions. These findings suggest that antibodies raised against dextransucrase exhibit a profound inhibitory effect on biofilm formation and vital cariogenic factors of S. mutans, which supports the contention that dextransucrase could be a promising antigen to study for its anticariogenic potential.

Anticariogenic and Mechanical Characteristics of Resin-Modified Glass Ionomer Cement Containing Lignin-Decorated Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles

This study aims to synthesize and characterize lignin-decorated zinc oxide nanoparticles before incorporating them into resin-modified glass ionomer cement (RMGIC) to improve their anticariogenic potential and mechanical properties (shear bond strength and microhardness). Probe sonication was used to synthesize lignin-decorated zinc oxide nanoparticles which were then characterized via scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction. Following characterization, these were incorporated in RMGIC (Gold label, Fuji II LC). Three major groups, experimental group A (EGA), experimental group B (EGB), and control group (CG), were outlined. EGA and EGB were divided into numbered subgroups based on the ascending concentrations of nanoparticles (5, 10, and 15%) of lignin-coated zinc oxide and zinc-oxide, respectively. CG served as a control and comprised cured RMGIC samples without any incorporation. Anticariogenic analysis was conducted on experimental RMGIC samples via disk-diffusion (n = 3) and direct contact test (n = 3) against Streptococcus mutans (ATCC 25175). Optical density values for days 1, 3, and 5 were recorded via a UV-Vis spectrophotometer. A shear bond strength test was performed using 35 premolars. The adhesive remnant index was used to estimate the site of bond failure. For the Vickers microhardness test (n = 3), 100 g of load at 10 s dwell time was set. Atomic absorption spectroscopy was performed over 28 days to determine the release of zinc from the samples. All tests were analyzed statistically. The anticariogenic potential of EGA and EGB was significantly greater (p ≤ 0.05) than that of the control. The shear bond strength test reported the highest value for EGA15 with all groups exhibiting failure at the bracket/RMGIC interface. The microhardness of EGA15 yielded the highest value (p ≤ 0.05). Release kinetics displayed a steady release with EGB15 exhibiting the highest value. The EGA and EGB samples displayed good anticariogenic potential, which was sustained for 28 days without any deleterious effect on the shear bond strength and microhardness.

Restorative materials for restorations of non-carious cervical lesions: an overview

Objective: To review the available scientific literature on the restorative treatment of non-carious cervical lesions; in particular, the restorative materials that present optimal performance in this type of clinical situation. Methods: A literature review was performed using Pubmed search engine with the aim of determining the ideal restorative material for restorations of non-carious cervical lesions. Results: Beautifil II (Shofu INC.) restorative material showed satisfactory results in terms of fracture resistance, flexural strength and excellent aesthetics, in addition to components that act as anti-cariogenic, anti-plaque and oral pH balance. The Clearfil SE Bond adhesive (Kuraray NORITAKE) showed in clinical research the highest bond strength rate compared to other adhesive systems available in the dental market. Conclusion: Non-carious cervical lesions are multifactorial lesions that require the professional knowledge to conduct the treatment effectively. The Shofu Beautifil II showed the best results in fracture resistance, flexural strength and excellent aesthetics, it has anticariogenic potential, anti-plaque bacteria and contributes to the oral pH balance. The Clearfil SE Bond adhesive showed the highest retention rate among its competitors. Keywords: Restorative materials; non-carious cervical lesions; class V

3, 5-Di-tert-butylphenol combat against Streptococcus mutans by impeding acidogenicity, acidurance and biofilm formation.

Streptococcus mutans is a common pathogen present in the oral cavity and it causes dental caries for all aged groups of people, in particular, children. S. mutans have several virulence factors such as acidogenecity, aciduricity, adhesion and biofilm formation. These virulence factors are working together and lead to the development of caries in the tooth surface. The present study aimed to investigate the anticariogenic potential of 3, 5-di-tert-butylphenol (3, 5-DTBP) against S. mutans. 3, 5-DTBP biofilm inhibitory concentration (BIC) was found at 100µg/ml concentration without any lethal effect on the growth. Moreover, 3, 5-DTBP significantly reduced water soluble and water insoluble glucans production, in concurrence with downregulation of gtfBC genes. Moreover, acidogenicity associated virulence factors such as lactate dehydrogenase and enolase enzymatic production was arrested upon 3, 5-DTBP treatment. In addition, 3, 5-DTBP greatly reduced acidtolerance ability through impedes of F1F0-ATPase. Gene expression analysis unveiled the downregulation of gtfB, gtfC, gtfD, vicRK, comDE, gbpB, smu0630 and relA upon 3, 5-DTBP treatment. The present study paves the way for exhibiting 3, 5-DTBP as a promising therapeutic agent to control S. mutans infections.

Dental fluorosis and its burden in India-revisiting a forgotten chapter

“Flouride” mineral is essential for the normal development of bone and teeth. However, its presence in excess of the required limit results in fluorosis of bone (skeletal) and teeth (dental). It is a dominating public health issue in India due to the geographical fluoride belt across numerous states. Dental fluorosis is characterised by the staining and pitting of tooth/teeth. Despite fluoride’s anticariogenic potential, when present in excess amounts, deteriorates aesthetics and cripples the physical, mental and social health of individuals. Numerous government-led initiatives are in place to optimize fluoride levels, unfortunately, with limited coverage and constrained time frame. The overview is an endeavour to assemble the breathing information on dental fluorosis and the obliviousness towards this condition devastating many lives in India. In this manner, stressing on the squeezing need of educational and dental treatment mediations alongside rebuilding of defluoridation programs across the nation.

Synthesis of an anti-cariogenic experimental dental composite containing novel drug-decorated copper particles

Secondary caries is one of the most major cause for re-placement of dental composite restorations. Targeting the survival of cariogenic bacteria residing on the restoration surface may reduce this problem. The present study aims to evaluate the antibacterial potential as well as assess the physical and chemical properties of experimental dental composites containing novel drug-decorated copper particles (DDCP) as adjunct antibacterial filler particles. These were incorporated at concentrations of 0%, 0.5%, 0.10%, 0.20%, and 0.25% (w/w) into experimental composite consisting of methacrylate monomers and silanized silica fillers. RESULTS: Direct contact test revealed that the anti-cariogenic potential of experimental composites was more than the control groups. The cell viability assay showed no toxic effect on MC3T3-E1 cell lines in the MTT assay. The microhardness of experimental composites increased as the percentage of DDCP increased, however, the degree of cure was increased only up till the concentration of 0.20%. The release kinetics of the composites reveals that even after 28days there was a steady and slow release of copper particles signifying the sustained anti-cariogenic effect. CONCLUSION: The experimental composites have good anti-cariogenic potential, which was sustained for one month without any deleterious effect on the physical and chemical properties of resin dental composites.

Influência da Stevia rebaudiana na saúde bucal – revisão de literatura

Introdução: A Stevia rebaudiana é uma planta, nativa da América do Sul, da qual é extraída a stevia, um adoçante natural não calórico com potencial adoçante maior do que a sacarose, sem efeitos adversos e que tem demonstrado possuir muitos benefícios para a saúde sistêmica e, mais recentemente, para a saúde oral. O objetivo da presente revisão de literatura é apresentar os benefícios da Stevia como importante opção para substituição do uso da sacarose e dos adoçantes artificiais, principalmente no que se refere a saúde bucal. Discussão: Os estudos sobre a Stevia contribuem com importantes informações a respeito do potencial papel anti-cariogênico e antimicrobiano, oriundo de sua capacidade de reduzir a carga bacteriana, a formação de biofilme, evitando altas diminuições de pH e atuando como um agente anti-inflamatório. A Stevia pode se tornar um complemento aos cuidados de saúde bucal na forma de bochechos, cremes dentais, goma de mascar, saliva artificial, comprimidos mastigáveis, além de seu efeito benéfico para a saúde em geral, principalmente em paciente com obesidade, diabetes e hipertensão. Conclusão: Dessa forma, a Stevia apresenta vantagens quando comparada a outros adoçantes artificiais, além de ser uma excelente opção para substituir a sacarose.

Anticariogenic Potential of Korean Native Plant Extracts against Streptococcus mutans.

Numerous chemically synthesized compounds are widely used in oral hygiene products. However, due to their potential risk, there is a need to improve the safety and quality of dental care by seeking alternative control agents such as those naturally found in plant materials. Here we assessed antibacterial potentials of extracts from 100 species of Korean native plants against Streptococcus mutans on cariogenesis. Among those, extracts from five plants (Arctii Fructus, Caryopteris incana, Aralia continentalis, Symplocarpus renifolius, and Lamium amplexicaule) showed a growth inhibition of S. mutans. The five extracts were further individually evaluated for their minimal inhibitory concentration and minimal bactericidal concentration. Interestingly, a synergistic antibacterial activity was observed with the combination of sodium fluoride and the plant extracts. To determine the anti-biofilm activity of plant extracts, S. mutans was treated with increasing concentrations of the extracts in the range from 1250 to 3750 µg/mL. When S. mutans was grown in the defined biofilm medium containing the individual extracts of 47 species, the biofilm amount markedly decreased compared to that of a negative control. Notably, the extract of S. renifolius significantly downregulated the gtf and spaP genes for synthesis of glucan and adhesive proteins in S. mutans, and L.amplexicaule decreased the expression of gtfD gene. Therefore, these results demonstrate that the five plant extracts modulate survival and pathogenesis of S. mutans by growth inhibition and downregulation of the gene(s) implicated in biofilm formation.

Nanocomplexes of carboxymethyl chitosan/amorphous calcium phosphate reduce oral bacteria adherence and biofilm formation on human enamel surface

Objectives: This study investigated the effect of CMC/ACP on oral bacteria adherence and biofilm formation on the enamel surface as well as the underlying mechanism to determine the anti-cariogenic potential of CMC/ACP.Methods: A mineral solution of CMC/ACP was characterised by transmission electron microscope. The bactericidal activity of CMC/ACP was evaluated with the plate count method. An in vitro biofilm model was established on saliva-coated enamel blocks; the effect of CMC/ACP on the adherence of Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus gordonii to and biofilm formation on these blocks, as well as co-aggregation of Fusobacterium nucleatum was assessed by scanning electron microscopy, crystal violet staining, and confocal microscopy. Bacterial surface charge was estimated with the cytochrome c binding assay and by zeta potential measurement.Results: CMC/ACP nanocomplexes inhibited S. mutans and S. gordonii adherence to enamel blocks by 90% and 86% (P < 0.01), respectively, and biofilm formation by 45% and 44% (P < 0.01), respectively, after 24 h without bactericidal activity. CMC/ACP reduced F. nucleatum attachment to streptococcal biofilm by 75% (P < 0.01) while also altering cytochrome c binding to bacteria and reducing the zeta potential of the bacterial suspension.Conclusions: CMC/ACP nanocomplexes inhibit cariogenic bacterial adherence, co-adhesion, and biofilm formation on the enamel surface, possibly by altering bacterial surface charge and enhancing the flocculation effect. As an agent that promotes remineralisation and has anti-cariogenic effects, CMC/ACP can be used to prevent and treat early caries and white spot lesions.

Anticariogenic potential of white cheese, xylitol chewing gum, and black tea

Objective:This study aimed to examine the effects of these foods on plaque pH and the potential development of tooth decay.Materials and Methods:Plaque pH was measured using the sampling method before and after 1, 5, 10, 20, 30, 45, and 60 min following consumption of these foods individually and after rinsing with a 10% sucrose solution. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey honestly significant difference post hoc tests (α = 0.05).Results:Although there were statistically significant differences in all test groups except the BT (P = 0.620) and sucrose + XCG (P = 0.550) groups in time, none of the participants chosen for this study were having a plaque pH value anywhere close to the critical value (pH = 5.5).Conclusion:WC, BT, and XCG are advisable as anticariogenic foods because pH values are not below critical value.

Anti-Bacterial Activities of Melastoma Malabathricum Stem Bark Fractions against Streptococcus Mutans

The objective of this study is to isolate and identify the bioactive compounds that possess antibacterial activities from Melastoma malabathricum stem bark acetone extract (MMSBAE) against Streptococcus mutans. M. malabathricum is widely used in the Southeast Asia to treat many ailments. A total of 12 fractions was purified by vacuum liquid chromatography (VLC) and further analysed by TLC-bioautography to determine antibacterial activities. TLC-bioautography showed that fraction 9 possesses antibacterial activities against S. mutans. Identification of fraction 9 had been done by GCMS and revealed 21 compounds. Some of the compound were important as agent pharmaceutical such as ?-amyrin, ?-sitosterol, hexadecenoic acid, stearic acid and hexacosanoic acid. Crystal violet and glass surface assay were used to determine anti-biofilm and anti-adherence activity, respectively. The concentrations of fraction 9 that produce 50% reduction in anti-biofilm and anti-adherence activities were 5 mg/mL and 2.50 mg/mL, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was performed to visualize the effect of the fraction 9 on biofilm structure of S. mutans. SEM analysis showed lysed biofilm were found on treated cells. These results indicated that this fraction possesses a powerful anti-cariogenic potential against S. mutans.

Anticariogenic potential and quantification mineral the enamel around restorative materials

Anticariogenic potential and quantification mineral the enamel around restorative materials

Antimicrobial Efficacy of Silymarin and Silibinin Against Oral Microorganisms

Objective: To evaluate the antimicrobial effect of silymarin and silibinin, a plant derived flavonoid compounds against oral microorganisms that are responsible for dental caries. Methods: In the current investigation, we analyzed the comparative antibacterial and antifungal effect of silibinin and silymarin against clinical cariogenic oral pathogens through evaluating their minimum inhibitory and minimum bactericidal concentration. We used clinical isolates that are responsible for dental caries and these include Candida albicans, Enterococcus faecalis, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus mutans to evaluate the anticariogenic potential of silymarin and silibinin. Results: In the present investigation, silymarin exhibit good antimicrobial effect against most of the oral cariogenic microorganisms tested when compared to silibinin. Interestingly, silymarin shows high sensitivity at a concentration of <5 µg/ml against S. mutans, L. acidophilus and C. albicans . On the other hand, silibinin also have significant antimicrobial effect against the oral pathogens. Conclusions: Silymarin and silibinin can be used as appropriate drug candidates that control dental caries, endodontic infections.

Evaluation of the anti-cariogenic potential and bond strength to enamel of different fluoridated materials used for bracket bonding

Abstract Objective To evaluate the in vitro and in situ anti-cariogenic potential and bond strength to enamel of materials containing fluoride (F), used for bracket bonding: Transbond XT (GT, negative control), Transbond Plus Color Change (GTF), Transbond-Self-Etching Primer (GSAF) and Vitremer (GV, positive control). Material and method In the in vitro study, the specimens were premolars with bonded brackets (n=12/group). After pH cycling, the F release, bond strength, fracture mode and presence of white spot lesions were assessed. In the in situ study, the specimens were enamel fragments with bonded brackets (n=12/group). Twelve volunteers wore palatal appliances in 4 phases, with cariogenic challenge. Bond strength, fracture mode and change in surface hardness (%SH) were determined. Result Relative to the in vitro study, F release (ppm) was: GT=0.257±0.068c; GTF=0.634±0.100b; GSAF=0.630±0.067b; GV=2.796±1.414a. Only GV showed no white spot lesions. Bond strength values (MPa) were GT=7.62±7.18a; GTF=5.15±6.91ab; GSAF=3.42±2.97bc; GV=2.87±2.09c. Adhesive fracture was the most frequent type, except for GTF. In the in situ study, %SH was: GT=-56.0±18.3a; GTF=-57.6±11.9a; GSAF=-57.1±11.3a; GV=-52.4±25.8a. Bond strength values were GT=9.5±4.4a; GTF=11.1±5.9a; GSAF=13.2± 6.6a; GV=6.6±4.0a. Cohesive fracture in material was the most frequent type, except for GTF. Conclusion Vitremer (GV) showed the highest anti-cariogenic potential in the in vitro study. However, it was not confirmed by the in situ study. Regarding bond strength values from the in situ study, all materials were shown to be adequate for clinical practice.

Anticariogenic potential of &lt;em&gt;Potentilla fulgens&lt;/em&gt; extract and its chemical constituents

&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Streptococci&lt;/em&gt; and &lt;em&gt;Lactobacilli&lt;/em&gt; are the most common bacteria causing dental caries. &lt;em&gt;Potentilla fuglens&lt;/em&gt;, native of north-east India is used by tribal people to cure teeth and gum problems. Based on its ethomedical use, its anticariogenic potential was evaluated. The crude methanol extract was found to have good anticariogenic potential. Epigallocatechingallate (&lt;strong&gt;4&lt;/strong&gt;) was found to the most effective inhibitor against the tested bacterial strains. Epiafzelechin (4&lt;em&gt;β&lt;/em&gt;→8) epicatechin (&lt;strong&gt;8) &lt;/strong&gt;also demonstrated comparatively better activity than other dimeric compounds (MIC of 1.56, 3.12 and 3.12 μg/mL against &lt;em&gt;Streptococcus mutans&lt;/em&gt;, &lt;em&gt;Lactobacillus acidophilus &lt;/em&gt;and &lt;em&gt;Lactobacillus rhamnosus&lt;/em&gt;,&lt;em&gt; &lt;/em&gt;respectively). Time-kill studies and biofilm formation inhibition assays showed molecule &lt;strong&gt;8&lt;/strong&gt; to be comparable to compound &lt;strong&gt;4&lt;/strong&gt; in terms of antibacterial action. The results suggest that these compounds and Potentilla extracts could be employed as natural antibacterial agents in oral health care products.&lt;/p&gt;

Development of a potential probiotic lozenge containing Enterococcus faecium CRL 183

In this work, a diet lozenge with the microencapsulated probiotic strain Enterococcus faecium CRL 183 was developed. The microbiological, physicochemical and sensorial characteristics were analyzed and the anticariogenic potential of the strain was also evaluated. The results showed that the complex coacervation microencapsulation technique enables higher viability during storage at room temperature. Lozenges were produced through three treatments: PC–control formulation; PPP1–probiotic formulation; PPP2–probiotic formulation with inulin. The probiotic strain had the viability decreased after lozenges production and during the storage from 5.53 to 4.83 log CFU/g at the beginning to 1.05–1.86 log CFU/g after 28 days, for both PPP1 and PPP2. Formulations were different concerning water activity, moisture and color (p < 0.05). All formulations remained microbiologically safe during the storage period. Association of probiotic bacteria and inulin improves the lozenges flavor acceptance and the purchase intent. The anticariogenic evaluation showed that the probiotic bacteria were able to survive in saliva and inhibit the growth of Streptococcus mutans ATCC 25175 in this study. The lozenge with E. faecium CRL183 and inulin represents an alternative to the diversification of the probiotic segment which aggregates anticariogenic potential. However, a process refinement and use of gas resistant packaging to preserve the probiotic viability, is necessary.